Friends of Richardson Hospital widen reach to aid local community

THE wider community is now benefitting from the work of the Friends of Richardson Hospital.
Committee members met for their annual meeting where chairwoman Marie Yarker reported on a year that had seen a greater emphasis on delivering services.
Mrs Yarker said: “We are continuing to support not just the hospital but we are also reaching out into the wider community.
“We have bought a blood pressure monitor and a wheelchair for the surgery.
“I think one of the nicest things we did was the memorial Christmas tree lights. It looked absolutely stunning.”
More than £20,000 worth of equipment was purchased by the Friends in 2016. Loan equipment was bought for the Teesdale Disability Access Forum.
First aid kits were bought for a local under-14s football team and members of the community were offered free places on a first aid course.
The Friends also contributed £1,000 towards a defibrillator, which was installed at the parish hall, as well as giving £500 towards the cost of a defibrillator in Staindrop.
A ‘Doppler’ ultrasound machine was also bought for use by the district nurses.
A side room on the Starling ward was refurbished, thanks to a legacy received in 2015.
The fundraising efforts of the Friends totalled £1,737 for 2016 and £1,690 was also received in donations at the hospital.
Mrs Yarker said: “We do continue to get a lot of donations from the hospital. This is due to the hard work and personalities of our staff. Without them the Friends would not exist.”
Having been co-opted onto the committee in 2011, Mrs Yarker decided to step down as chairwoman at the meeting last month. She agreed to stand as vice-chairwoman for the next year.
Honorary secretary and publicity officer Iris Hillery said: “Marie has done some great work with the things that have happened over the years. Thank you very much Marie. I am delighted to learn that you are happy to stay on the committee.”
Honorary treasurer Irene Baker also stepped down from her role after four years.
Ms Hillery said: “I would like to extend all our thanks to Irene as treasurer. She has done a sterling job and it has not always been easy.”
Vince Blaeford was welcomed as the Friends’ new honorary treasurer.
Current vice-chairwoman Anne Jones stepped up to the role of chairwoman for the next year. Ms Hillery added: “I think there is still a lot of work to do to raise awareness of what we do. On the whole I think we have a positive image in the community.”